State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Oil India Ltd today expressed interest in

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taking more oil fields in Colombia while gas utility GAIL proposed to set up a petrochemical plant in the oil-rich South American nation.

The companies expressed their interest during talks with visiting Colombian Minister of Energy and Mines Hernan Martinez, who signed an agreement with Petroleum Minister Murli Deora for cooperation between the two nations in energy sector.

ONGC Chairman and Managing Director R S Sharma and ONGC Videsh Ltd Managing Director R S Butola sought more oil blocks in Colombia and expressed desire to participate in the latest licensing round in the Latin American nation that closes in early November.

OIL Chairman and Managing Director Pasrija also staked claim for oil blocks on nomination basis and would also participate in the Colombian International Bid round where 43 exploration areas have been offered.

GAIL Chairman and Managing Director U D Choubey expressed interest in building a petrochemical plant, setting up gas pipeline network and city gas distribution projects in South America's fifth-largest oil-rich country.

"We are exploring opportunities for participation in implementing enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR) projects in the existing fields of Colombia," Deora said after signing of the memorandum of understanding.

OVL along with Sinopec of China already has 50 per cent stake in an oilfield that produces about 25,000 barrels per day of oil. It also has acquired interest in three deep water exploration blocks on the Caribbean side of Colombia.